When to plant Oregon grape in Oregon and Washington
In Portland: Plant Oregon grape shrubs Mar 1 – Apr 26. In Bend: Apr 28 – Jun 23. Find your city below.
Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun to full shade
Spacing
3 to 5 feet apart
Planting depth
Same depth as in the pot
Frost
Hardy perennial; comes back every year
First harvest
Flowers and berries from the second or third year
Oregon's state flower: yellow blooms in early spring, blue berries in summer and holly-like leaves all year. It grows in sun or shade and needs no summer water once established. The tart berries make good jelly.
Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant Oregon grape shrubs on your city's dates, 3 to 5 feet apart. Same depth as in the pot.
Water through the first summer, then leave it alone. Cut a few of the oldest stems to the ground every few years to keep it full.
Harvest: Pick the dusty-blue berries in late summer. They're very tart and seedy; cook them into jelly with sugar, or leave them for the birds.
Key numbers
Full sun to full shadeLight
Early spring, yellowBloom
None once establishedSummer water
Tart, best as jellyBerries
Growing notes
What makes the difference in Northwest gardens, in plain language.
Where it grows wild
Oregon grape is Oregon's state flower and one of the most common native shrubs in Northwest woods and forest edges. Tall Oregon grape grows upright to about six feet and handles sun or shade. Low Oregon grape, also called dull Oregon grape, stays under two feet and carpets shady forest floors under Douglas firs.
Despite the name, it isn't related to grapes. The spiny, holly-like leaves stay green all year and often turn reddish or bronze in winter.
Easy care
Oregon grape is about as low-maintenance as shrubs get. It grows in most soils, takes sun or deep shade, and once settled in it needs no summer water at all. Water through the first summer, mulch, then leave it alone. Every few years, cut a few of the oldest stems to the ground in late winter to keep it full and leafy at the base.
Leaf spot and rust can appear in crowded, damp spots. Giving plants room for airflow is usually enough.
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flower clusters open in early spring, when few other plants are blooming, and are a key early food for native bumblebees and hummingbirds. Birds eat the berries in summer, and the evergreen, prickly leaves make safe cover for small birds. It's a great choice for a shady wildlife hedge or a planting under trees where little else grows.
Common questions about growing Oregon grape
Can you eat Oregon grape berries?
Yes. They're edible but very tart and seedy. Most people cook them with sugar and strain out the seeds to make jelly, or mix them with sweeter fruit.
Is Oregon grape related to grapes?
No. It's in the barberry family; the name comes from the dusty-blue berry clusters that look a little like small grapes.
Does Oregon grape grow in shade?
Yes. Both types tolerate shade, and low Oregon grape is especially good as a groundcover under trees. Tall Oregon grape flowers and fruits more in sun but still grows well in shade.
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